Accokeek, MD – Beretta is excited to announce that the Beretta 1301 Tactical C has been named the 2025 Ballistic’s Best Defensive Shotgun by Athlon Outdoors’ Ballistic’s Best awards, one of the shooting industry’s most respected annual evaluations. The award recognizes exceptional performance, reliability, and real-world defensive capability among the top shotguns tested this year.
In the highly competitive Ballistic’s Best Defensive Shotgun category, the 1301 Tactical C stood out across multiple key performance areas, earning the highest overall score among a field of proven defensive platforms. Evaluators assessed shotguns using realistic defensive drills including controlled pairs, extended strings of fire, emergency reloads, and transitions focusing on recoil management, ergonomics, reliability, trigger performance, sights, and overall functionality.
Designed to meet the demands of law enforcement, military, and professional defensive users, the Beretta 1301 Tactical C builds on Beretta’s long-standing service shotgun heritage while incorporating modern ergonomics and modularity. Its combination of speed, control, and durability makes it equally effective for duty use, home defense, and competitive defensive shooting.
The Beretta 1301 Tactical C combines industry-leading engineering with tactical readiness, including:
- B-LINK® gas operating system with a forged, rotating bolt for ultra-fast and reliable cycling.
- Upgraded forend with aggressive knurling and M-LOK sections for improved control and modularity.
- Pro-Lifter shell carrier for smooth, intuitive reloads.
- Enhanced ergonomics that earned top recoil management scores in testing.
- Available in Black, FDE, OD Green, or Gray, with your choice of standard stock, pistol grip, or Chisel Stock configurations.
“The 1301 Tactical C was built for shooters who demand absolute confidence from their defensive shotgun,” said Caleb McMillen, Sr. Product Manager at Beretta USA. “Receiving this recognition from Ballistic’s Best following hands-on, side-by-side testing reinforces that this platform delivers the reliability that shooters need and delivers unparalleled performance.”
Available in both 7+1 and 5+1 capacities and a range of finishes, the 1301 Tactical C delivers elite defensive performance for professional operators, competition shooters, and home defenders alike. Take a closer look at the Beretta 1301 Tactical C or contact an authorized Beretta dealer.
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About Beretta
Established in 1526, Beretta is the world’s longest-standing industrial dynasty, with a legacy spanning 16 generations of continuous family ownership. For 500 years, firearms bearing the Beretta name have been trusted and used around the world. Beretta USA Corp. was established in 1977 and quickly became the provider of the most widely deployed sidearm in the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, Beretta USA is part of Beretta Holding Group, which includes over 50 global subsidiaries and 20 renowned brands. Beretta manufactures, distributes, and markets a complete range of firearms, accessories, and apparel. The company also owns and operates six Beretta Gallery retail stores worldwide.
For more information, visit www.Beretta.com.
About Ballistic’s Best
Ballistic’s Best is Athlon Outdoors’ annual awards series, evaluating more than 100 firearms and gear entries across multiple categories. Each product is subjected to real-world range testing, judged by veteran shooters, and scored on a detailed 0–5 scale across performance, ergonomics, value and more. The winners represent the best-of-class for 2025, the firearms world’s equivalent of a heavyweight championship.